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Former Leeds Rhino's charity dinner violence
A former Leeds Rhinos player rugby-tackled a bouncer as a star-studded charity night turned into a violent alcohol-fuelled scrum.
Daniel Thomas, 25, who played half-back with Rhinos and also had brief spells with London Broncos and other West Yorkshire rugby clubs, was part of chaotic scenes at the Batley Frontier nightclub as the black-tie dinner and auction descended into farce.
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Thomas jumped into the "mele" after an argument between his wife Rebecca, 25, and a friend escalated, Leeds Crown Court heard.
The dad of two had gone to the fundraising evening with his wife, friend Brigid Hanrahan and other pals when trouble flared.
Among the VIPS on the guestlist were rugby legends, including Garry Schofield.
Leeds Crown Court was told how in the disturbance Mrs Thomas's glass flew out of her hand, and hit a woman at the next table on the head. It then bounced into the face of another woman, leaving a gash in her skin.
Prosecutor Philip Adams said a member of door staff intervened and tried to throw Mrs Thomas out of the event. It was then that Mr Thomas rugby tackled him to the floor.
Further chaos then followed, with people standing on chairs as the violence escalated.
Mr Adams said Mr Thomas then punched another bouncer who had tried to calm things down and grabbed him by the throat.
Miss Hanrahan, 25, hit one of the doormen on the head with a bottle.
The farcical scenes cast a shadow on the glittering night in April which had been organised by the Steve Prescott Foundation, a charity set up by the former Wakefield Wildcats player after he survived his own cancer battle.
Rugby legends like Garry Schofield had swapped the rugby field for the boxing ring to fight each other in short fundraising bouts.
Defending Daniel Thomas, Robin Frieze said the 25-year old had seen a member of door staff approach his wife and "instinctively went to protect her".
His client was "deeply embarrassed and ashamed" by his behaviour, he added.
"He is seen as a role model for young people and he is worried he has tarnished that reputation."
Mr Frieze said Mr Thomas had been a "very promising and impressive" rugby league player whose professional career had ended prematurely through injury.
He was usually a "moderate" drinker who intended to go back to playing rugby.
The court heard Mr Thomas does voluntary work in the community, has a number of coaching qualifications and is due to start work as a rugby league development officer in January.
He and his wife had been together since their teens and have two young children aged six and three.
Sentencing Daniel Thomas to 26 weeks in jail but suspending it for 12 months, Judge Roger Ibbotson told him:"You have come close as you can come to going to prison, do you understand?"
Daniel Thomas, of St John's Close, Dewsbury, admitted one offence of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and one of common assault.
He was sentenced to 26 weeks and 20 weeks concurrently in jail for the two charges, both suspended for a year, and must also do 100 hours community service. He was also banned from the Batley Frontier for two years.
Rebecca Thomas, who had pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, received similar jail terms and 80 hours community service.
Brigid Hanrahan, 25, from Cornfields, Dewsbury, admitted one offence of affray and was sentenced to 26 weeks suspended for 12 months and 80 hours community service.
Thomas is a former Rhinos Academy player who played for Leeds in 2003.
He also played for London Broncos' lower grades.
His other clubs have include Batley Bulldogs, Dewsbury Rams and Dewsbury Celtic.
His last appearance in Leeds was when he played for Jamaica in the Carnegie 9s at Headingley in August.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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